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50 Unique, Meaningful, Or Simply Awesome Gifts Less Than $50

*keeps all gifts for myself*

What a year! The holidays are finally here! And while we’re doing our best to make sure the products we feature will arrive in time, shipping times are especially tricky this year, so we suggest shopping as early as you can.

Stock and shipping times can vary depending on where you live, which product you purchase, and more. So order earlier than you think you need to and be sure to double-check the retailers’ websites for shipping information to ensure that your gift will arrive in time for when you need it.

1. A Beauty and the Beast-inspired kit complete with a silk red rose, LED string lights, and wooden base with a glass cover... because nothing screams "romantic" quite like a prop responsible for moving an entire Disney plot along.

the light

2. Playing cards featuring gorgeous HP-inspired illustrations: the Sorting Hat, Hedwig, and Scabbers. **takes deep breath** There's also Fawkes, the Nimbus 2000, a Hungarian horntail dragon, the Knight Bus, and so much more!

3. A chenille tufted pillow ideal for Harry Potter movie nights in which they've invited the whole gang over but, sadly, don't have the room to accommodate all of them. Magic = being able to turn their floor into comfortable seating when there's not enough couch space.

The cushions with string lights surrounding them

4. A gift assortment of Popbar hot chocolate sticks to upgrade their favorite winter beverage and holiday tradition into something slightly more luxe than Swiss Miss (no shade to Swiss Miss). 10/10 would swirl this around in my coffee, too.

5. A The Office door sign so it can feel as if Dwight Schrute is breathing over their shoulder as they send numerous emails and fill in those Excel sheets.

Reviewer image of rectangular small sign recreating the sign from the show "the Office" on a door

6. The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, aka an easy way to bring the magic of Dole Whip into their own kitchen. This treasure book features over 100 Disney-inspired recipes that are definitively better than a FastPass — think Mickey macaroons, the perfect churro, and (of course) DOLE WHIP.

reviewer holding the book
Mickey Mouse beignets

Promising review: "Beautiful hardcover cookbook with so many yummy Disney recipes from the parks! There is lots of Disney foodie history in it, plus recipes that look easy to follow with high quality ingredients. There are fun maps of each of the parks inside where the food is located from which makes it fun. As an avid Disney fan, I have never seen a cookbook like this." —Nicole

Get it from Amazon for $11.95.

Free two-day shipping for Prime Members; check the listing for delivery date estimate.

7. A personalized floral stamp that I guarantee made any bibliophile casually scrolling through this list stop and gasp. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves aren't in the realm of possibility for them yet, but this delightful accessory puts their mark on any novel...guaranteeing that the books they've lent will safely make their way back to their personal library.

the personalized stamp

8. Taiyaki double pan for whipping up decadent fish-shaped waffles guaranteed to make them feel like they're brunchin' in Japan; they'll just have to fill 'em with custard, chocolate, cheese, red bean paste, sweet potato, and the extensive list truly goes on. Reviewers recommend Morinaga hotcake mix for the batter!

reviewer holding the fish shaped taiyaki
reviewer showing the inside of the taiyaki

Promising review: "Great pan, very non stick, and easy to clean! Made delicious taiyaki just like I had growing up in Japan!" —Shannon Y Nelson 

Get it from Amazon for $24.99

Free two-day shipping for Prime Members; check the listing for delivery date estimate.

9. A virtual experience via Amazon Explore, a way for them to stroll the streets of Prague, explore the mysteries and ~magic~ of a renowned Edinburg cemetery, take a Tokyo-based cooking class, and more — all while their tush remains firmly planted on a couch.

a cemetery in Edinburgh
Amazon

Check out the below review for the "Mysteries, monsters and magic: explore Edinburgh's unusual tales":

"I lived for the better part of a decade in the UK and took any opportunity I could to visit Scotland. It's been some years since my last visit to Edinburgh and this was a wonderful way to reacquaint myself with a city I love. And I didn't even have to put on real clothes too do it! Even better: I earned a bunch of bonus points with my girlfriend for accidentally coming up with a great brunch date idea.

Angus was our guide and he was simply superb. His enthusiasm for showing off his hometown really elevated the whole experience. Though 60 minutes with him wasn't nearly enough time it never felt rushed and his anecdotes, stories, and cultural allusions filled the time we did have perfectly. Don't expect a whirlwind tour of the entire city; this is a fairly relaxed stroll that barely scratches Edinburgh's total geography, but with centuries of history embedded in virtually every brick and cobblestone you won't feel cheated." —foundgum

Sign up for experiences starting at $10.

E-delivery available immediately. 

10. A dual-layered necklace they can consider the blazer equivalent for jewelry. Pourquoi? Because they can throw this on and, suddenly, their college sweatshirt paired with trousers looks unintentionally-but-actually-intentionally very polished. Dare I say, a TikTok chic ensemble is now theirs.

11. A guitar pick tin I officially dub the perfect stocking stuffer for the music aficionado in your life. There's no better way of telling 'em you ~want to hold their hand~ than by giving them an illustrated Ringo in triangle form.

reviewer guitar picks

12. Handmade pressed floral bookmarks to make their heart pitter-patter if they love bouquets but hate upkeep. These are made with real flowers — simply let the seller know the preferred ~color scheme~, if they'd like round or square corners and a tassel, and voila! A garden in their novel. No thorns. No snipping stems. No changing out the water.

the pressed flower bookmarks

13. A bread maker so that the perfect hunk of homemade carbs can be theirs with no serious baking expertise ~kneaded~. The secret sauce is a partially closed design which allows the steam to spread evenly for a perfectly golden loaf.

14. A microwavable plush wrap filled with dried French lavender for a soothing present that can provide stress and cramp relief. It's also available in a ton of animal designs — think lobsters, dinosaurs, polar bears, and (of course) sloths.

reviewer photo of the sloth plush

15. The Adventure Challenge, a book on a mission to improve their at-home-boredom but also encourage them to get out and explore their own city. Here's how it works: Each ~activity~ is concealed with icons to indicate length of time, prep-work required, etc. They simply have to scratch off the boxes to reveal an out-of-the-box plan — they can complete the activity, write a blurb about it, and stick on a printed photo. 

the books
The Adventure Challenge

This scratch-off book is available in four versions — couples, family, friends, solo — so you can receive customized recs based on participants. I personally own and adore the couples version... me and my fiancé were prompted to build a fort, roast marshmallows, and put on a movie. 'Twas the most fun we've had in, like, a year.

You can also purchase the bundle pack ($147.99) that comes with their signature camera.

Promising review (couples edition): "We have done about six of the dates so far. We have laughed harder than we have in a long time. I have been touched by the thought that went into each of the dates. It is clear that they are not just thrown together, there is a purpose behind each of the "rules" of the date. I would say if I had made up the dates my husband would have balked, so it helps to have it be from a third party with the requirement to commit. There has not been a date so far that we haven't thoroughly enjoyed and benefitted from. My husband LOVES it and has wanted to do several dates in a weekend (our original goal was to do one a week). For perspective we are in our forties and have been married for 22 years. It has been a bit reminiscent of our early dating years and reminded us to be more adventurous. So fun to shake it up! The only way you get the benefit is if you fully commit and go for it. Break out of your self-made boundaries! You strengthen your bond by shared experiences that invoke emotion: laughter, uncertainty, vulnerability in trying new things." —Terrell

Get it from The Adventure Challenge for $39.99+.

Expedited shipping available at an additional cost. 

16. A three-pack of color drip candles to turn the act of a birthday wish come true into a work of Picasso proportions. Reviewers swear that all they'll need is an empty wine glass (or old candelabra) to begin their foray into art.

reviewers drip candles in antique candelabras

17. A fancy Scrabble game for the competitive pal who always suggests game night (*cue frustrated sigh*). The best part about this particular version? It's surprisingly compact and portable — the wood case closes for storage and can neatly fit all miscellaneous pieces inside.

the Scrabble board

18. An I Dew Care wash-off mask that smells (and looks!) as delicious as a Funfetti slice. Sending them birthday cake skincare with moisturizing hyaluronic acid and squalane > an actual birthday cake, and I mean that with every ounce of my being.

the mask with positive reviews pasted on top

19. A moon-shaped handheld light so you can reenact that iconic It's a Wonderful Life scene: "I'll give you the moon, Mary." They can simply tap the moon to adjust its brightness, plus it lasts for up to 10 hours on a single charge.

20. A desktop metal clip tree for displaying up to 18 photos, postcards, and other mementos. This is also fab for storing receipts and important slips of paper that will inevitably get lost (no offense to them).

the metal photo tree holding photos and strips of paper

21. A magnet set inspired by everyone's favorite friend group: Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia. This box contains dozens of illustrated magnets, an illustrated backdrop, plus a 32-page booklet packed with fun facts and behind-the-scenes tidbits.

22. A handmade Venus-inspired candle featured on every aspirational morning routine TikTok they have ever seen — and for PETE'S SAKE, I have never needed a gift so badly for myself in my life!!!! These hunks of beeswax and soy are pieces of art that I expect will turn my bedroom into The Met. I think.

venus de milo candle

23. A cubic zirconia ring cleverly designed as a fidget spinner, which is great to wear whilst they watch nerve-wracking TV: long-awaited Oprah interviews, scenes in which the swamp lady is mentioned during The Haunting of Bly Manor, etc.

24. A Tequila Mockingbird cocktail kit to turn your book-obsessed soulmate into a professional mixologist. This inexpensive kit comes with two swizzle sticks, a bartender's jigger to measure out drinks, and a shortened version of the original book (which outlines15 drink recipes and notes about which books inspired them).

the kit with a jigger and book

25. Stainless-steel cuff links personalized with their initial which means *wipes away eyebrow sweat* they won't even suspect that you waited until last minute to purchase their gift.

A reviewer's pair of the silver tone cufflinks in the letter A, with a rounded shape, outside lip around the engraving

26. A galaxy projector if they, like me, are a 26-year-old adult with a perpetual fear of the dark. Consider this an easy way for them to hide the fact that their cousins made them watch The Exorcist at the ripe age of 5 and they haven't been the same ever since — lighting aside, their ceiling will look magical. 

All jokes aside, this is a genuinely awesome projector — it comes with a remote control, Bluetooth capability, white noise options, and 10 colorways to choose from. 

Promising review: "Oh man, I was nervous about the quality of this product, but when it arrived, it exceeded expectations. It has a ton of different color/brightness/rotation settings and while the remote took a little time to figure out, it works great! The Bluetooth hookup is amazing for meditating, but I could see using it for more of a party vibe. This was SO worth every penny. Relaxing, comforting, and aesthetically GORGEOUS." —Samantha Aiello

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.  

Free two-day shipping for Prime Members; check the listing for delivery date estimate.

27. A copy of Wreck This Journal, an easy way to bring themselves back to high school weekends spent cutting up magazine photos and collaging. This book includes several daily activities including, get this, a stain log — ones they'll want to celebrate instead of dousing in white vinegar or club soda.

28. An adjustable measuring spoon so they can add the accurate amount of wet and dry ingredients that the *insert Tasty video here* recipe calls for — no more eyeballing what a teaspoon of sugar looks like, no more bulky glass cups that remain unwashed in their kitchen sink for days. 

hand holding the measuring spoon
Amazon

Promising review: "This is worth every penny. Absolutely love this! I’m a culinary student and everyone in class, including the chefs, ask about this and where I got it." —Bree 

Get it from Amazon for $6.99

Free two-day shipping for Prime Members; check the listing for delivery date estimate.

29. Old World Italian: Recipes and Secrets from Our Travels in Italy, a cookbook that chronicles simple and authentic recipes — ones that will have them screaming "buon giorno" at the possibility of a delicious at-home dinner. 

Promising review: "The book itself is beautiful with gorgeous photos of Italy and food. Recipes are legit... unlike other cookbooks where there are just a few good recipes, this book is filled with gems. Buon appetito!" —Lindina 

Get it from Amazon for $22.99

Free two-day shipping for Prime Members; check the listing for delivery date estimate.

30. A JW Pei vegan leather purse available in vibrant hues and neutral shades alike. Light purple, lime green, chocolate brown...no matter the color you choose, your fashionable friend is super to seriously appreciate a gift from this TikTok-famous brand.

the black purse

31. A droolworthy ~The Crowned~ necklace from Awe Inspired, a collection that pays homage to four badass royal highnesses (Catherine the Great, Nefertiti, Queen Esther, and Boudicca). And while the pendants are stunning, so are the chains: You can gift plain *or* options with turquoise, ruby, and more vibrant beads.

32. A matching sweatshirt set great for any dog parent... and that I am personally purchasing at this very moment, because looking très chic *and* coordinating with my child? A dream. Reviewers also swear by the super comfy and soft material.

model and French bulldog wearing matching yellow sweaters

33. A rainbow prism suncatcher that'll transform mundane moments into the perfect Instagram photo opp. These refract sunlight when hung indoors, resulting in tiny rainbows that make any space feel more magical... in other words, the perfect way to help them spruce up their space.

34. An acupressure and pillow mat set for a spa experience that doesn't actually require, well, going to a spa. These are intentionally designed to target sore muscles and reduce built-up tension, very much a necessity if they spend 10+ hours a day hunched over a laptop.

Model lies down on pink and white acupuncture mat and pillow

35. Antique-inspired picture frames available in multiple sizes, styles, and finishes that all pair together perfectly. If they've been dreaming of a kitschy gallery wall but don't have the patience required for curation, they can let out a sigh of relief upon receiving this gift. You've just done the work for them.

36. A beginner embroidery kit to give them a hobby that is *not* another Netflix docu-series. This comes with patterned cloth, a hoop, instructions, a floss thread set, and needles for a foolproof activity that also results in some awesome home decor.

the embroidery hoop with floral design

37. Reusable glowing chopsticks because the force is with both them *and* the takeout meal they just ordered. These BPA-free lightsabers are officially the only utensil they'll want to use at dinner. Knives and forks = boring.

38. Ultra pigmented lip stains that pay homage to their beverage of choice — red red wine. Reviewers swear these tints are smudge- and transfer-proof and, adorable vino-inspired packaging aside, you can gift six wearable shades for ~$15.

the wine glass lip stains

39. A stackable mug set and holder serving major Pinterest vibes. Not only will the aesthetics run deep with every morning sip of java they take, but this is also *fab* for anyone with limited cabinet space.

the white stackable cups

40. Monstrous: The Lore, Gore, and Science behind Your Favorite Monsters, a gorgeously-illustrated hardcover for children and adults alike. This chronicles iconically spooky figures (think Bigfoot, Dr. Frankenstein, and vampires et al) with entertaining facts they'll want to tell everyone about. Have a friend who prefers "Monster Mash" to "Silent Night"? This is for them.

the book

41. An initial ring made with an adjustable band, that way you can plant this on any finger of your choosing — no more having to send feeler texts to determine if their index finger is a size 4, 6, or 9.

42. A Buffy-inspired bookmark that’s more than appropriate for literature of the sparkling-in-sunlight variety — we’re talking page after page of vamps and gothic fiction. Dare I say this’ll help them ~slay~ their reading game?

the bookmark

43. A customizable embosser to ensure their "friends" don't "borrow" their beloved books with the intention of never giving them back. This is also a fantastic (and affordable) way to personalize save-the-dates and wedding invitations.

reviewer showing the embossed invitation

44. A clay, fondant, and cookie cutter because their green thumb has grown in the same fashion that their ZZ plant has: in other words, not at all. They can give crafts and cakes a ~flowery~ upgrade via this easy-to-use baking tool... and no one will suspect it's Toll House.

flower shaped cookies next to purple cookie cutters

45. A pack of Friends-inspired socks that will be there for you[r friend]! Until they chuck them into the washing machine, that is. They will probably vanish into thin air after that.

46. A set of two ceramic mugs complete with a furniture-friendly cork coaster bottom and a splash-proof lid, the latter of which is important if they (like me) have gone to take a sip of coffee and just...missed. Ruining the clean white sweater they just threw on.

47. A cubic zirconia ring that delivers on its promise of 360° shine. Available in neutral *and* vibrant hues alike (helloooooo, fuchsia), this ideal accessory encapsulates holiday spirit because I feel merry just looking at it through a computer screen.

finger holding multiple rings

48. A bottle of La Tourangelle white truffle oil because read my lips: homemade salads that don't suck. A light drizzle of this luxurious White Alba truffle blend adds a flavorful punch to any meal they make... because they thought baguettes were good before? Get ready to alter their life forever.

the oil

49. A Rosetta Stone subscription if they've been threatening to pick up and move to Paris. Support their dreams of eating buttery baguettes and perusing the Louvre by gifting them the tools necessary for learning the language.

two people talking and one showing the other their phone screen

50. The Wand, a mini histamine and sulfite filter that they can swirl around in their Ikea wine glass to halt hangovers in just 20 seconds. They can resume their SVU marathon with some red in hand, knowing they won't wake up to a monster headache.

The wand

Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides!

illustrated gift guide graphic